Leaders of both institutions say they need more funding to maintain the quality of the nation's largest public university system, which includes Cal State's 23 schools and the UC's 10 campuses.

The proposed annual hikes — of $270 at Cal State and $280 at UC schools — are being discussed this week by the governing boards of both systems.

About two dozen students protested Tuesday outside Cal State's Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach, California. Critics say the hike would put a bigger burden on students already struggling to finance their education and force more drop outs.

FEATURED PODCAST

KPBS' daily news podcast covering local politics, education, health, environment, the border and more. New episodes are ready weekday mornings so you can listen on your morning commute.

Sign up for 'The Catch-Up' newsletter

Don’t have time to keep up on the latest news? We’ve got you covered with a mid-week check-in every Wednesday afternoon.